Perfectly Peasy Classic Pea Salad with a Twist
Perfectly Peasy Classic Pea Salad With A Twist
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving a Blast from the Past?
Remember pea salad from every family gathering? I sure do! Get ready for a classic dish, elevated. It's a flavor explosion of sweet peas, salty bacon, and sharp cheddar.
Pea Salad Overview: From Potlucks to Today
Classic pea salad is an American staple, gracing potlucks and picnics for generations. This easy pea salad version takes about 25 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes chilling.
It makes roughly 6 servings, perfect for sharing... or not!
Main Benefits: Healthyish Comfort Food
Honestly, it's the perfect balance. You get protein and fiber from the peas. Plus, it's a delicious summer salad recipe .
It’s ideal for BBQs and light lunches, making this pea salad with bacon a crowd-pleaser.
What You Need: The Pea Salad Ingredients
Okay, right then , let's get this pea salad keyword party started ! Here's what you'll need:
- One pound of frozen petite peas, thawed.
- Six slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
- Half a cup of sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded.
- A quarter cup each of finely diced red onion and celery.
- For the dressing, grab mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Dijon mustard is optional for a little zing.
It's that simple! Honestly, this is a pea salad recipe that anyone can whip up.
Time to get to work!
Right, Let's talk about substitutions. This is a cheddar pea salad , but feel free to experiment. Try adding some fresh mint for a brighter flavor.
Remember that one time my Aunt Brenda tried to make this and used too much mayonnaise? Disaster! Don't be like Aunt Brenda. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
Trust me, this classic pea salad will become your new go-to picnic side dish . Give it a try, you won't regret it! And it sure beats another boring green salad.
Get ready for the best potluck salad ideas !
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Pea Salad
Okay, right then, let's get this pea salad keyword party started! We need the right kit for our pea salad recipe , right? This isn't rocket science, honestly.
But having the right bits makes a world of difference.
Main Ingredients
The Pea-tastic Base
- 1 pound (450g) frozen petite peas, thawed OR 1 pound fresh peas, shelled. Pro Tip: If using frozen, give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop them cooking.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (approx. 85g ). Quality check: You want proper streaky bacon here. The kind that sizzles just right.
- 1/2 cup (50g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded. The sharper the better! We need that cheesy tang, innit.
- 1/4 cup (25g) red onion, finely diced. This gives a nice bite.
- 1/4 cup (15g) celery, finely diced. Adds a bit of crunch.
Dressing Dreams
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise (full-fat or light). Okay, confession time. I always use full-fat. It just tastes better, okay?
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) sour cream OR Greek yogurt. I've used both, and they both work a treat.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar. Adds the necessary tang.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) granulated sugar OR honey. Just a touch to balance things.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard (for a bit of a kick). Don't be shy!.
Seasoning Notes
For classic pea salad , it's all about balance. The sweetness of the peas needs that salty bacon, and the creamy dressing needs a bit of a tang.
Don't be afraid to taste and adjust! And if you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar works pea salad in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Not a whole lot needed.
- Large bowl. Obvs, pea salad .
- Small bowl (for the dressing). Don't be mixing it in your hands!.
- Frying pan (for bacon). A cast iron is my weapon of choice, honestly.
- Whisk. For that dressing, love.
- Cutting board.
- Knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't overthink this. If you don't have measuring spoons, just wing it! That's how I roll. I just have fun with this easy pea salad and enjoy the process!
Perfectly Pea-sy: Making Classic Pea Salad Like a Pro
Okay, right then, let's get this pea salad keyword party started! Who doesn't love a good pea salad recipe ? Seriously, it's the classic pea salad that always disappears at picnics.
This isn't your nan's soggy pea salad . We're bringing it into the 21st century! This easy pea salad is so good.
It is perfect for those summer evenings in the garden or as one of your picnic side dishes that everyone will love.
I love this recipe so much. This is a modern take on it, that is why you must check this cheddar pea salad .
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Pea Perfection
Essential mise en place is critical, so we can get this pea salad with bacon ready. First, thaw your 1 pound (450g) frozen petite peas .
Next, cook 6 slices bacon until crisp. Dice 1/4 cup (25g) red onion and 1/4 cup (15g) celery . Cube or shred 1/2 cup (50g) sharp cheddar cheese .
Honestly, I sometimes buy pre-crumbled bacon to save time. It's our little secret. Safety first, please be careful when cooking that bacon.
Hot oil is no joke.
Step-by-Step: From Zero to Salad Hero
Cook your 6 slices bacon in a frying pan until super crispy. Drain on paper towels. Crumble like you mean it!
While the bacon is cooling, get your veggies ready. Dice that red onion and celery nice and small.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise , 2 tablespoons (30ml) sour cream , 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar , 1 tablespoon (15ml) granulated sugar , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper .
Add a dollop of Dijon mustard if you're feeling fancy.
Now, in a large bowl, gently combine the thawed peas, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and celery.
Pour that creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything's coated.
Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes ! This lets the flavours meld and get all happy together.
Serve this potluck salad idea chilled and watch it disappear.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Want to take your pea salad to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years.
Don't overcook the bacon! It needs that satisfying crunch. Trust me on this one. Crispy bacon is essential for texture and flavor.
Taste and adjust that dressing. More vinegar for tang? More sugar for sweetness? It's your pea salad dressing , after all!
Make this frozen pea salad a day ahead! The flavors will intensify overnight. It's perfect for summer salad recipes when you want to prep in advance.
Don't be afraid to make this the day before, as it allows the flavors to meld and develop even more depth.
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Pea Salad
Okay, right then, let's get this pea salad keyword party started! After years of bringing this pea salad to picnics, I've got a few tips to share.
Honestly, these notes can make or break the dish. You know?
Serving Suggestions That Wow!
Let's talk presentation. Plating matters! I like to serve pea salad in a clear glass bowl so you can see all the vibrant colours.
Think green peas, red onion, and golden bacon. For a fancy touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Classic pea salad goes great with loads of things. It’s amazing with grilled burgers or sausages. A total winner as picnic side dishes too.
I remember one time, my mate Dave brought pea salad with bacon to a BBQ. People were raving about it!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Mate!
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop your easy pea salad into an airtight container. It will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just give it a good stir before serving. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, though. The mayonnaise can get a bit weird.
Reheating? Don’t even think about it! This summer salad recipe is best served cold. The crunch is what makes it great.
Variations: Shake Things Up a Bit!
Want to be adventurous? Try a couple of tweaks. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise. Easy peasy! If you want to change it seasonally you can! In the spring swap out frozen peas for fresh ones from your garden.
If you want to lower carb, use a sugar substitute.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!
This cheddar pea salad isn't just yummy; it's good for you too! Peas are packed with fibre and vitamins. Cheddar adds calcium, and the bacon gives you some protein.
Okay so it is a good source of energy, but don’t go overboard. Everything in moderation, right?
So, there you have it. A few extra notes to ensure your pea salad is a roaring success. You know? Don’t be afraid to experiment. Most of all, have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pea salad ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry level ahead?
Absolutely! Pea salad is actually better when made a few hours in advance. The flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive salad. However, I wouldn't recommend making it more than 24 hours ahead, as the ingredients, particularly the bacon, might lose some of their texture. Keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
What's the best way to store leftover pea salad? Will it go all soggy bottom on me?
To keep your leftover pea salad from going soggy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to press out any excess air before sealing the container. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. After that, the peas might lose their crispness and the dressing could start to break down. Nobody wants a sad, watery salad!
I'm not a fan of mayonnaise, are there any substitutions I can make in this pea salad recipe?
Definitely! If mayonnaise isn't your cup of tea, try substituting it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creamy texture. You could also experiment with a vinaigrette-based dressing for a lighter, tangier version. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will be different, so adjust your other ingredients (like sugar and vinegar) accordingly to get it tasting spot on.
Can I use fresh peas in my pea salad, or am I stuck with the frozen kind?
You can absolutely use fresh peas! Fresh peas will give your pea salad a lovely, vibrant flavor and a satisfying crunch. Just be sure to shell them before using them in the recipe, which can be a bit of a faff, but it's worth it! If fresh peas aren't available (or you can't be bothered shelling!), frozen peas work just as well and are a great convenient option.
What are some fun variations I can try to spice up my basic pea salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a Mediterranean twist, add some feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped ham or even some grilled shrimp for extra protein. A little bit of fresh dill or mint can also brighten up the flavor. Get creative and make it your own - that's what cooking's all about!
Is pea salad actually healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Well, like most things, it depends on what you put in it! Peas themselves are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the bacon and mayonnaise can add significant fat and calories. To make a healthier pea salad, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, reduce the amount of bacon, and add more veggies like celery and red onion. Portion control is key too, so maybe skip that second helping... maybe!
